Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The annual Pentecost Pilgrimage/Vigil for the year 2026 was held from Friday 22nd to Saturday 23rd, May 2026 at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Grotto, Eleta with the theme “Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted. While giving his opening remarks and declaring the pilgrimage opened, the Archbishop admonished all to pray to Mother Mary to help Nigeria out of the pains the country is presently in. “Remember to pray for our homes, parishes, Archdiocese of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and the world at large. She knows what we are suffering. We are calling on her. We depend on her for support and power to conquer evil, that God change the hearts of those committing evil: killings, banditry, kidnappings.” His Grace said.

With the declaration of the pilgrimage opened by His Grace, there was an adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led by Rev. Fr. Henry Molade; followed by penitential service anchored by Rev. Fr. Vincent Anuniru. Using the texts of the scripture from Luke 15:11-32, which is about the prodigal son, the priest pointed at three important facts: unconditional love of God, the grace given to the prodigal son, and the jealously of the elder brothers.

            Fr. Vincent condemned the attitude of many towards going to confession and appealed on the need to return to Jesus no matter how grievous our sins are, for God still loves us, no matter our states spiritually. This was followed by individual confession.

      As a way of calling for Mary’s intercession, St Leo parish, Challenge, led all in a candle light procession and Rosary prayer, followed by the litany, while a religious, thereafter led all in the prayer for the Consecration of Nigeria to Mary.

       After a short break, Catholic Artistes Entertainer Association of Nigeria (CAEAN), Ibadan Archdiocese entertained all with a drama to further emphasize the need to emulate Mother Mary, Comforter of the afflicted by comforting one another as true followers of Christ.

While doing justice to the theme “Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted”, the guest speaker, Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence Ogundipe, SDV agreed that things are difficult in Nigeria as many are facing afflictions today, even recently in Ibadan where people were kidnapped and killed; making insecurity to become a normal thing. “In the midst of all these troubles, the Church in Ibadan wants us to turn to our Mother, a Mother that always stays with her children”. He declared.

The speaker, who recalled Mary’s participation in the salvific mission of her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ encouraged all to have an identity (password) through which Mother Mary can identify us by recognizing her roles and giving her an appropriate worship she deserves.

Fr. Lawrence, who is the Vicar for the Religious in the Archdiocese of Ibadan highlighted various afflictions Nigerians are battling with and enjoined all to direct them to Mary for her intercession. “The pressure is so much that we are at the point of breaking but Mary will intercede for us; teach us how to be united; teach the young ones hope to be patient and stop yahoo plus.” He stated.

The priest challenged all to pray their Rosary always as there is need for Pentecost National Renewal, Pentecost of Consciences; good leadership and truth. “When hearts change, family changes; when families change, community changes; and when communities change, country changes.” He concluded.

Other highlights of the pilgrimage activities were intercession prayers led by Rev. Fr. Joseph Baranjoko; Divine Mercy Prayer, led by Divine mercy devotees; Blessing of water, articles of faith and intentions by Rev. Fr. Francis Asinyanbi and sprinkling of holy water on all the pilgrims.

The pilgrimage was rounded up with the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by the Archbishop. In a short homily, Rev. Fr. Sangokeye encouraged all to stand for God, no matter the situation like St. Paul did, despite being in chain. There was also a general thanksgiving to appreciate the grace and blessing received at the pilgrimage.

In his closing remarks, the Archbishop thanked the Director in charge of the Grotto, Rev. Fr. Felix Adedigba for the beautiful environment and prayed for those supporting the developmental works at the Grotto; even as he stated that there are still more work to be done to make the Grotto better and accommodating.

His Grace thanked the Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, priests, religious, functionaries and lay faithful. He tasked various Parish Pastoral Councils (PPC) to meet and suggest the way out of multiple collections during Eucharistic celebrations in the parishes and feed him back.

The Prelate stated further that there should be no sharp distinction in the Church but that all do things in common and that whatever any parishioner does not understand, the parish priest should be met or the dean. His Grace thereafter declared the 2026 Pentecost Pilgrimage/Vigil closed after the final blessing.

The 2026 Pentecost Pilgrimage/Vigil, which was full of worship, praises and prayer had in attendance the Archbishop; Archbishop Emeritus; Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami, Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade; the Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade; Deans; Monsignorii; priests, religious and lay faithful.